Letters to the editor: Taxi row is over public safety, too

It would be wrong to label the conflict in the world of London’s taxi industry as solely a “price war”. It’s far more complex than that, with many seeing it as a fight for the future of London’s black cabs.

As a regulator, Transport for London has been far too passive dealing with technological change. In return for their high running costs, fares and training standards, Black taxis are given some limited privileges — chiefly plying for trade and running a meter.

But Uber has a business model which blurs the distinction between black taxis and pre-booked minicabs. Couple that with the massive growth in minicab numbers and TfL’ s hands-off approach to illegal activity and the result is a serious threat to the black cab trade and a growing safety risks for passengers.

There is a great place for technology in the taxi industry, but it has to play by the same rules.Val Shawcross AM, Labour’s London Assembly transport spokesperson

Whatever anyone’s views on the level of fares for black cabs, there is no justification for corners being cut in the regulation and enforcement of the taxi and private hire industry, especially as many of these rules protect passengers. Indeed the fares are ultimately set by TfL.

Those arguing that the rules can go out of the window because they don’t like the level of fares are simply wrong. Black taxis are fully accessible and a vital service for many people.

Let’s enforce the law, tackle touting and allow the public a fair choice. Allowing some companies to choose what rules to follow is certainly not in the public’s long-term interest.Caroline Pidgeon AM, Liberal Democrat, deputy chair of transport committee

John McKenzie [Letters, June 5], I’ve been a licensed London cab driver for 36 years. If you wish to go with this rush to the bottom, you’re welcome to it.

Uber’s app is based on a meter set on an estimate given depending on journey time, so that £35 you quote can be a lot more than you think.

And how can they charge so little? Well, how about reports of drivers not having adequate insurance, a lack of street knowledge or a background check that is derisory?

You can keep going with the minicab driver who might not be paying income tax and is therefore able to buy a vehicle at the cheap end of the market but I want a professional in the driving seat.James Savage

Air pollution in London is now up to dangerous levels. But it seems no one is prepared to confront the issue of pollution caused by taxis. They are the biggest contributor to diesel pollution, and often leave their engines running for long periods while in ranks around stations. They are also exempt from the congestion charge. I look forward to the day someone in power has the courage to address this issue head on.Gianpaul Becci

I wasn’t surprised to see John McKenzie trot out the old clichés about high cab fares. I have to earn £350 a week before I actually make a penny myself because I get charged by TfL. Mini cabs do not have the same overheads imposed on them by TfL as London cab drivers, so the pricing war is no contest. No, Mr Mckenzie, you don’t “owe me a living” — TfL do.Steve Lawrence

Airport decision is still some way off

RE your editorial “Let’s just get on with it” [Comment, June 5], it may should interest you to know that thousands of people’s lives are being blighted by continuous and heavy aircraft noise every hour of every day without respite, with the risk of even greater numbers being affected. The gardens of west London have already become empty, deserted even, by the birds the anti-estuary airport campaigners are so keen to defend.

No other capital city in the world would put up with what west Londoners are expected to suffer without apology or compensation or even acknowledgement. Shame on London’s Heathrow and our politicians for not having the vision to get on with building an airport fit for the 21st century with a flight path over the sea.Susanne Groom

You are right to say that “all the relevant factors, including the environmental ones, have been taken into account” in the Davies report. However, it is the weighting each factor has been given which will be scrutinised by both ministers and the public. If so, getting on with it may still be some way off.J M C Watson

We must learn from these cycling deaths

It was devastating to discover that the sixth London cyclist to be involved in a fatal HGV accident this year was Esther Hartsilver, my physiotherapist at King’s College Hospital [“Sister pays tribute to ‘wonderful’ cyclist killed by lorry as hundreds turn out for vigil celebration”, June 5]. Her unflagging optimism was a credit to her vocation and the NHS, and it made a great deal of difference to patients like me who suffer from a long illness.

It seems impossible that lessons have not been learned after the number of recent deaths. But it also seems unthinkable that we have lost these unique and courageous people. Esther deserved more and we owe it to people like her to improve the safety of London’s roads.Margaret Swinson

Tourists are a big benefit to London

The one thing that consistently disappoints me about the attitude of Londoners is the distaste for tourists, summed up by Nick Curtis [Comment, June 5]. Mr Curtis refers to “dawdling, chuntering, selfie-sabre-rattling hordes” and “idiot twentysomethings from studying a map slap bang in the middle of the exit”.

I’d much rather be surrounded by disorientated holidaymakers enjoying their experience in London, rather than aggressive commuters. We’re constantly told that London is a wonderful city because of its diversity. Why, then, are tourists not considered among the city’s great strengths?Michael Cox

Governance code could hinder growth

Anthony Hilton’s article, “Let’s rethink governance rules for today’s world” [Comment, June 2], makes a great contribution to the debate about how UK businesses should be run.

Few would deny that there needs to be oversight of how companies operate, particularly in the wake of the financial crisis. But at what point do things such as the UK Corporate Governance code become a hindrance, promoting risk aversion rather than encouraging growth?Andrew Hobbs, Ernst & Young partner, corporate governance and public policy